But, last tonight, more than 2,000 guests attended a $50,000 gala inauguration bash for Los Angeles Democrat Kevin De Leon at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
They celebrated De Leon becoming the first Latino to lead the state Senate in more than 130 years.
The California Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation paid for the event.
De Leon replaces outgoing President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg of Sacramento who held the spot for six years.
De Leon says he wants to see the legislature focus on climate change, the economy and improving public schools.
He spoke to KCRW’s Warren Olney.